Ole Miss announces new rules for tailgating

OXFORD – The University of Mississippi gameday committee has instituted several new rules and policies in an attempt to make tailgating a better experience for all fans.

Last spring, the committee voted unanimously to keep the entire Ole Miss campus closed to tailgaters until 10 p.m. Fridays before home football games. The decision was made in order to provide a fairer opportunity for all fans to enjoy tailgating on campus.

“We have loyal fans and supporters across Mississippi,” said Andy Mullins, UM chief of staff to the chancellor and gameday committee chair. “Some only travel across town, but others travel many hours, and we are trying to give all our fans equal access for their favorite tailgating locations.”

University Police Department officers will help enforce the policies. UPD will not only restrict access to campus on Fridays, but those who violate the 10 p.m. tailgating embargo are subject to arrest for trespassing and having their tents confiscated, Mullins said.

“This measure includes everyone, whether it be a student, an alum or a private contractor who sets up tents for customers,” Mullins said. “No one is allowed to set up a tent for tailgating until 10 o’clock Friday night.”

The gameday committee also has unveiled other new policies for the 2010 season:

– Campus officially opens for parking at 6 a.m. Saturday. Overnight violators on Friday are subject to having their automobile towed at the owner’s expense.
– No parking is allowed on Library Loop.
– Parking on the Circle is restricted to the right-hand side only. The left side surrounding the Circle has been designated a 15-minute loading zone.

In addition to new rules, the gameday committee also is launching a new neighborhood watch-type program inside Vaught-Hemingway Stadium to make the game day experience a safer, more enjoyable time for all. Fans can report misconduct inside the stadium from their seat via text message.

“If a fan wants to report a fight, even someone smoking, all they have to do is send a text to 69050,” said Mullins.

To report a violation, fans are urged to text their seat number, including their section and row. The message is instantly received inside the stadium, and authorities will be dispatched to the proper location.